Day 93, July 8: Ruth 4 - 1st Samuel 2; Psalm 79; John 11 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” (John 11:49-50 NRSV) As you recall, Jesus cleansed the Temple at the beginning of his ministry in the Gospel according to John. This is is stark contrast to Matthew, Mark and Luke who place that event after Jesus’ triumphal entry I to Jerusalem. The Temple incident is what brings the Jewish leaders into action against Jesus. Here in John, the raising of Lazarus is the final straw. Caiaphas’ pronouncement gives us the understanding that Jesus raising of Lazarus is too much. It draws too much attention to the Jews. Rome would sit up and take notice. The uneasy relationship between the Caesar and the Jews could crumble. This would call Rome down upon Judea. Caiaphas wanted to preserve the nation and the place of the leadership. Jesus had to go. It was the expedient thing to do. Many Christians see Caiaphas as evil. If I put myself in his place with only the knowledge that he possessed, what would I have done? It is a choice between two evils. Kill one person for the sake of the many? Let that person live and risk the nation? Murder is not justified for any reason. The ends do not justify the means. To do evil for a good reason does not make the evil good. It still remains evil. If to save those that I love I was called upon to commit murder, and I did so, then I would still be guilty and would be subject to the law. I would still need to ask God for forgiveness. I do not expect to ever be in such a situation. And, I pray that I never will be. “Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.” **Tomorrow’s Readings - Day 94, July 9: 1st Samuel 3-5; Psalm 80; John 12**
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 13:27:20 +0000
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